San Antonio’s Tony Parker to play tonight in Game 3 against Clippers

San Antonio guard Tony Parker will play Friday night in Game 3 of the Western Conference playoffs against the Clippers, the Spurs announced at the team’s shootaround Friday afternoon.

Parker had tightness in his right Achilles’ tendon in Game 2 at Staples Center on Wednesday night that forced him to leave the game with 5 minutes, 10 seconds left in regulation.

Parker also suffered a twisted left ankle and bruised left thigh in Game 1.

Parker’s health is paramount to San Antonio’s success.

“I didn’t doubt that he was going to [play],” Spurs forward Tim Duncan said. “I’m glad that he’s feeling better, ready to rock, and he wants to really kind of turn these playoffs around.

“He stumbled out with his ankle and he’s hoping to have a good one tonight.”

Parker hasn’t been at his best in the first two games of the best-of-seven series, tied 1-1 after the Spurs’ win in overtime Wednesday.

He missed all six of his field goal attempts in Game 2, scoring just one point on a free throw.

In the first two games, Parker is averaging 5.5 points on 23.5% shooting and 3.0 assists in 29 minutes per game.

Parker also has had his hands full with Clippers point guard Chris Paul, who is averaging 26.5 points, 6.5 assists and 7.5 rebounds in the first two games.

Paul is shooting 60% from both the field and three-point range.

Spurs guard Danny Green may spend some time defending Paul if Parker is limited.

“I’m sure we’ll have different guys on him, throwing different looks at him,” Green said. “I might start on him. Who knows? But if not, I’m sure I’ll have some time [on Paul]. I’m sure Kawhi [Leonard] will have some time and even Cory [Joseph]. We’ll see how it goes.

“We’ll throw different looks at him and just try to contain him and not let him get off like how he did in Game 1.”

Twitter: @BA_Turner